My focus for the 2021 session is simple: how can we help families, schools and businesses recover from this pandemic?

It is critical that we support a sustainable economy that allows all members of our community to thrive. The Legislature and our state must prioritize economic development and recovery in rural communities, sustained environmental and economic health, and better access to higher education and family-wage jobs.

Here are my top legislative priorities:

Jobs – I am working on legislation that will continue to champion key K-12 and post-secondary education programs that lead to family-wage jobs. That includes strengthening community college and apprenticeship programs – especially those that will help families affected by the pandemic get back to work quickly.

We also need to ensure that state-wide economic recovery programs assist rural areas like the 10th District. I am especially excited to be collaborating with my colleagues in the 40th and 42nd Districts to promote sustainable agriculture.

Education – I am working closely with legislators and school districts to develop local programs aimed at reducing learning loss and improving access to mental health services for young people.

I will continue to strengthen dual-credit programs that help students earn college credit while still in high school. In my first term, we passed important legislation to help needy families pay for Running Start and College in the High School. I am excited to expand these programs and help more students in our community.

Rural broadband – One of the biggest challenges for many in our community is the lack of broadband. So many people are now working from home – and so many families with children also sharing the internet connection while learning remotely – we must do more to promote rural broadband. While private companies are the ones who provide these services, the state can do more to help bring fast, reliable internet to more parts of our state.

Transportation – As a member of the Transportation Committee, I will keep pushing for better ferry services and new hybrid and electric ferries, which are cleaner and less costly to maintain.

The 2021 session will also challenge us on a number of levels. Most legislative work will be done remotely, and meetings will be held on Zoom or over the phone.

However, it is more important than ever that the Legislature is able to serve Washingtonians as we deal with the pandemic’s challenges together.

My office is working hard to prepare for these challenges. We are streamlining remote processes and will accommodate as many meetings as we can, because hearing from you – and keeping you informed – is a critical part of my job as your representative.

And please do keep in touch. Your comments, questions, and ideas are always welcome. They help guide me as we work toward making the 10th District, and all of Washington state, a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Rep. Dave Paul has taught in higher education for more than 20 years. He and his wife live in Oak Harbor with their four children.